French car manufacturer Peugeot is set to release a refreshed new 208 for 2018. Even though the latest model was only released last year, this exciting upcoming model has been created to provide competition for other supermini rivals such as the Citroen C3 and Ford Fiesta, with new vehicles expected to be released in the short future.
When the car makes its debut in 2018 it will come with a fresh line of new engines, contain future small car technology, and will feature an all new chassis. Peugeot’s declared goal is to become “the best high-end generalist brand” and become more premium and luxurious than other car models with in the supermini sector.
Auto Express currently have exclusive images of the new 208 model, which showcase the car to be stronger and bolder than the current model 2015 208. It also features Peugeot’s latest family face, with attractive LED daytime running light incorporated into the front. The model will still come with the optional 3 or 5 doors.
The stunning new profile of the new generation shown in these images resembles a similar look to its big brother, the 308 which was launched in 2013. The length however will remain at 4 metres, with shorter rear and front overhangs which has been made possible because of the longer wheelbase, this will balance out the car's interior providing more legroom and head height. The extra length in the 2018 208 will come from the switch to an all-new chassis.
The new model will get an impressive new set of components and will go on the Peugeot's new platform, EMP1 (Efficient Modular Platform), which is being developed by technicians from PSA Peugeot Citroen’s Chinese manufacturing partner Dongfeng.
The EMP2 platform brought huge weight savings to the latest Peugeot 308 model, and like this, EMP1 will do the same for the 208 reducing kilos and increasing efficiency. Potentially, it could be up to 100kg lighter than the current model, however this figure will likely change depending on what luxury features Peugeot decided to integrate into the interior.
The thrilling new engine lineup will include the new generations of PSA’s BlueHDi diesel and PureTech petrol engines. The petrol versions will most likely be three-cylinder turbos, and have power ranging from roughly 70 bhp to 150bhp for the 1.2 litre size. To appeal to drivers who want something quicker, there will also be a new 1.6 THP petrol engine in GTi, which should offer around 220bhp.
It looks like the diesel range is getting even more of a revamp, with the 1.6 litres engines downsizing to 1.5, something PSA are doing following on from the VW group actions who also downsized engines on some of their recent models. The power outputs on the model will remain pretty much the same between 75bhp and 120bhp, however CO2 emissions will likely fall to less than 75g/km on the eco-focused editions only.
Peugeot will refine the unique i-Cockpit set-up. Inside they’ll upgrade the central infotainment system to improve response speed, and add in even better smartphone connectivity and other multimedia features.
French sources have hinted that the new model will most likely make its first public appearance at the Geneva Motor show in spring 2018.
I hope you're as excited as we are for this new Super Mini. We’ll keep you posted when more information is released about the upcoming model!
Image credits: Zavatskiy Aleksandr / Shutterstock.com